Seeking stimulation for your mind helps keep it sharp longer
Just as you need to save every month to ensure your retirement, planning for your future isn’t just about maintaining strong bones and muscles, having routine doctors’ visits and tests, and eating well. It is also necessary to exercise your brain and thus take care of your cognitive reserve.
More and more studies have shown that our cognitive functions (attention, reasoning, learning and memory) must be stimulated throughout our lives. Even though people do not acquire new neurons as they age, these cells retain the ability to make new connections, what experts call “neuroplasticity.”
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So-called “cognitive stimulation” not only helps people keep their minds sharp longer, but also works as a protective factor against several types of dementia that can appear after age 50, such as Alzheimer’s (which is the most common type , But not the only one).
According to psychologists Denise Brasil, Aline de Lucena and Marcela Nogueira, who are part of Chronos, a center focused on cognitive stimulation in Rio de Janeiro, keeping the mind active is crucial for health and well-being.
They explain that, in general, when we are young and study, our brain tends to receive and process more information. However, as we age and reduce stimuli, the brain enters a “comfort zone” and may see its functions reduced.
Discover other ways to work on your cognitive reserve:
1. Seek mental stimulation
Doing crossword puzzles has become a sort of symbol of how to exercise the brain, but, according to psychologists, we need to go much further, with various activities that exercise memory, perception, attention, language and reasoning, i.e. cognitive functions. This includes enjoying different types of games and hobbies, as well as participating in reading groups or discussing films.
2. Cultivate relationships
Another key exercise for brain health is cultivating social connections. We were born to live in groups and isolation has negative consequences on our health and emotions, as well as making life less interesting. If meeting new people is difficult, try taking a class.
3. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is not only fun and interesting, but it can also help strengthen connections in the brain. In fact, research has already shown that learning something new can help improve memory function in older adults.
4. Teach someone something
Additionally, one of the best ways to expand learning is to teach someone else a skill. Therefore, after learning something new, it is essential to practice. Showing and teaching this requires explaining the concept and correcting errors that may arise.
5. Always move
Regular exercise also oxygenates the brain and significantly improves functions such as attention, memory and learning ability. Aerobic exercise such as walking, running or gardening can help the hippocampus of the brain, the part linked to memory and learning, to grow. Furthermore, it promotes blood flow in this vital organ.
6. Take care of your sleep
There is growing evidence that people with poor sleep quality in middle age have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the future. The rationale behind this is that sleep, especially deep sleep, plays a critical role in eliminating brain waste produced during the day, including the beta-amyloid protein, associated with this condition. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the quality of your sleep and, if necessary, contact your doctor if sleeping well is difficult.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
